Most beautiful beaches in the Algarve

About the Algarve beaches

The Algarve is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Europe, offering a range of experiences from surfing and bodyboarding to family-friendly relaxation by the sea. The coastline is diverse, featuring wild beaches with dramatic cliffs, peaceful coves, and wide expanses of golden sand. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or simply looking to unwind, the Algarve’s beaches provide something for everyone.

Surfing and bodyboarding on the Vicentine Coast

For those who love surfing and bodyboarding, the Vicentine Coast is the ideal destination. Located in the southwestern part of the Algarve, the region offers wild beaches and unforgettable waves.

Starting with Odeceixe, where the Algarve region begins, this beach features one large and several smaller hidden beaches nestled among the rocky cliffs. The beach is easily accessible, making it a great spot for surfers to enjoy the waves.

Arrifana, a sheltered bay surrounded by cliffs, provides easy access via a ramp and wooden steps. This is a popular location for both beginner and experienced surfers.

Vale Figueiras, situated in a cove south of Aljezur, is a quieter option but still offers excellent conditions for surfing and bodyboarding. Its scenic beauty and relatively uncrowded atmosphere make it a hidden gem for wave riders.

Closer to Carrapateira, Amado Beach boasts a wide expanse of sand and is an attractive choice for extreme sports lovers. The beach is well-accessible and offers consistent waves ideal for surfing.

Cordoama, a quieter beach framed by cliffs, is linked to the others at low tide, offering an uninterrupted coastline for surfers to explore.

Ponta Ruiva is another little-known beach that’s perfect for those seeking the perfect wave. Surrounded by high cliffs, the beach remains relatively uncrowded, making it a great spot for an unspoiled surfing experience.

Beliche Beach, located in a small bay near Cape St. Vincent, is also very popular among surfers, with reliable waves and an appealing atmosphere.

Lastly, Martinhal, near Sagres Point, is sheltered from westerly and south-westerly winds by Ponta da Baleeira, providing good conditions for both surfing and bodyboarding. Its calm waters and beautiful surroundings make it a favourite among water sports enthusiasts.

Family-friendly beaches

The Algarve is an ideal destination for family holidays, offering beaches that are perfect for rest, relaxation, and fun. With excellent facilities and a focus on safety and environmental protection, the Algarve provides a stress-free environment for families to enjoy.

Many of the region's beaches are equipped with amenities like restaurants, cafés, and parking facilities, ensuring a comfortable visit. Families can enjoy a range of activities, such as leisurely walks, building sandcastles, swimming in clean waters, or exploring the coastline. Some of the best family-friendly beaches include Odeceixe, Arrifana, Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, Albufeira, Quarteira, Manta Rota, and Monte Gordo.

The Algarve’s beaches also offer unique experiences for visitors of all ages, with imposing cliffs, colourful rock formations, and the possibility to take coastal cruises for a different view of the region's cities. These features make the Algarve a perfect destination for families seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Beaches of the Vicentine Coast (Costa Vicentina)

The Vicentine Coast, located within the South-Western Nature Park, is home to some of the Algarve’s most pristine beaches, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature in its purest form.

These beaches are known for their peaceful settings and natural beauty, making them ideal for those who love tranquillity and wish to enjoy a more untouched coastline. Among the standout beaches is Odeceixe, located at the mouth of the Odeceixe River. This beach is unique, with both sea and fresh water forming small lagoons at low tide, offering calm bathing and beautiful walks along the coast. Surrounded by cliffs, Odeceixe provides a stunning natural environment that makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

To the south, near Vale de Telha, Monte Clérigo stands out for its natural beauty and serene surroundings. The beach, set against the backdrop of a charming fishing village, offers a vast expanse of sand and excellent conditions for peaceful walks and relaxation.

Arrifana, the first beach after Ponta da Atalaia, is a cove surrounded by high escarpments. The picturesque village of Arrifana lies nestled along the slopes, making it a beautiful and inviting beach to explore.

These beaches are perfect for those who wish to enjoy the Algarve's natural treasures in a more tranquil and less tourist-heavy setting.

Praia Dona Ana, Lagos

Praia Dona Ana, located in Lagos, is widely regarded as one of the Algarve's most stunning beaches. With its transparent turquoise waters and golden cliffs, this beach was named the best in the world by Condé Nast Traveler in 2013 and was again honoured as the Best Portuguese Beach by TripAdvisor in 2015. The combination of dramatic rock formations and calm, clear waters makes Praia Dona Ana a must-visit destination.

Ponta da Piedade, Lagos

Ponta da Piedade is not just a beach but a natural tourist monument located in Lagos. It is famous for its impressive rock formations and cliffs, which can be explored by boat to visit the various sea caves. The area is one of the most photographed spots in the Algarve, offering an unforgettable experience that combines nature, geology, and the beauty of the coast.

Cova Redonda Beach, Lagoa

Cova Redonda Beach is a small, charming beach located between cliffs to the east of Senhora da Rocha beach. Accessible only by a long staircase, this hidden gem offers a peaceful and picturesque setting, perfect for those seeking solitude and a more intimate beach experience. Its unique location and serene atmosphere make it one of the Algarve’s secret treasures.

Odeceixe Beach, Aljezur

Situated on the border between the Algarve and the Alentejo region, Odeceixe Beach is known for its unique blend of river and sea waters, making it perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts. The beach stretches over 1 km during low tide and is surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Known as the "first beach of the Algarve," it is a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful, scenic escape.

Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa

Praia do Carvoeiro is a town beach nestled in a beautifully sheltered bay, surrounded by cliffs. The beach is protected on both sides, providing calm waters ideal for swimming. With bars and cafés located around the square, visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink with a view of the beach. Its inviting atmosphere makes it a favourite spot for both locals and tourists alike.

Albandeira Beach, Lagoa

Praia de Albandeira is a small, picturesque beach located between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra. This hidden cove is famous for its natural rock pools, which offer a fantastic opportunity for visitors to explore the unique coastal environment. The calm waters and stunning surroundings make Albandeira Beach an idyllic spot for a relaxing day by the sea.

Camilo Beach, Lagos

Praia do Camilo is a small beach nestled between cliffs, known for its exceptionally clean water and almost transparent sea. The beach is ideal for snorkelling, with its rich marine life and calm, clear waters. Accessed via a wooden staircase that leads down the cliff, Camilo Beach offers a peaceful retreat and a fantastic opportunity to explore the underwater world.

Três Irmãos Beach, Portimão

Três Irmãos Beach is located at the eastern end of the vast Alvor Beach, known for its incredible rock formations. The beach gets its name from three sea stacks that rise majestically from the water, adding to the dramatic beauty of the landscape. Três Irmãos is a stunning spot for those looking to explore unique rock structures while enjoying the beach’s natural beauty.

Monte Clérigo Beach, Aljezur

Located just 7 km west of Aljezur, Monte Clérigo Beach is a peaceful, unspoilt stretch of sand surrounded by rugged cliffs. It is perfect for sunbathers, swimmers, surfers, and families. The beach is easily accessible and features rock pools, making it a great spot for kids to explore. Its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere make it a fantastic destination for a day out.

Barreta Island, Faro

Also known as Deserta Island or the Island of the Lighthouse, Barreta Island is the southernmost territory of mainland Portugal. Located within the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, this uninhabited island offers a pristine beach that is rarely crowded. It can be accessed only by boat from Olhão or Faro, making it a peaceful and secluded getaway for those looking to enjoy a quiet day by the sea.

With its diverse array of beaches, from lively town beaches to secluded coves, the Algarve offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking to relax in the sun, enjoy water sports, or explore natural beauty, the Algarve's beaches are sure to leave a lasting impression.